NRL: Storm deny signing Mason

Storm CEO Brian Waldron says the club has not and will not sign Willie Mason. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Melbourne Storm chief executive Brian Waldron says the club has not and will not sign out-of-favour Sydney Roosters forward Willie Mason for the 2010 NRL season.

Fairfax media reported today that Mason had agreed to a two-year deal to join the NRL premiers, but Waldron has quickly denied the story.

In a statement released by the Storm, the club was emphatic in their inability to sign the former test forward.

"I personally communicated to Willie Mason over a fortnight ago that we were not and would not be in a position to offer him a contract for 2010," Waldron said in the statement.

"That message was also communicated to his manager.

"We wish Willie all the best for the future but unattributed reports that we have signed him for next year and 2011 are completely false."

Mason remains on the outer at the Roosters, with new coach Brian Smith offering the second rower extended leave to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

- AAP